System for connecting an incoming call to a selected one of a number of extensions

ABSTRACT

In an incoming call service by which an extension can be directly called when a call comes in from another office, a dedicated terminal for selecting an extension to which the incoming call is connected is installed to enable the user to select it as desired, thereby increasing usage of call incoming lines for effective use. An exchange which connects an incoming call from another office directly to an extension, an input device for accepting specification of an extension corresponding to a specific incoming call, and a controller which includes a definition device for defining the correspondence between the specific incoming call and extension are provided. Upon receipt of an incoming call, the exchange connects the call to its corresponding extension in response to the correspondence defined in the definition device.

This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 08/074,482,filed Jun. 11, 1993.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a system for connecting an incoming call to aselected one of a number of destinations and more particularly to asystem which enables any person other than those who undergo specifictraining for changing data to easily change data. This is acheived bycombining an exchange which is responsive to an incoming call fromanother office, so as to connect to the telephone terminal correspondingto the call, with a controller which can change the data of thetelephone terminal.

2. Description of the Related Art

A prior art is described in "Telecommunication" published in March 1989.According to the article, an automatic electronic jumper device isinstalled between office lines and extensions for managingadministrative numbers to connect them. The automatic electronic jumperdevice-manages both the office lines and extensions. The automaticelectronic jumper device and office lines are previously wired to eachother via an MDF. Likewise, the office line terminals and extensions arewired to each other. To connect a telephone and office line directly,the administrative numbers of both the office line and extension areentered.

In the prior art, for an incoming call from another office, itscorresponding extension number is extracted for calling according topredetermined data; the data can be set and changed through a dedicatedmaintenance terminal. Commands are entered through the dedicatedmaintenance terminal to set all information on the exchange, such as theexchange configuration and the administrative numbers of the officelines and extensions. Thus, handling the dedicated maintenance terminalrequires a measure of training, and the authorized person to maintainthe exchange should handle the dedicated maintenance terminal to preventa mistake in handling the terminal or the like from causing the exchangeoperation to stop.

On the other hand, there is demand for the exchange user to be able toeasily set and change direct line data. The user cannot easily handlethe conventional dedicated maintenance terminal for the reason describedabove. Thus, the user cannot change settings of extensions connected todirect lines as he or she desires.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a system forconnecting an incoming call to a selected extension wherein the user caneasily set and change office line data.

To these ends, according to a first embodiment of the invention, thereis provided a system for connecting an incoming call to a selectedextension, the system comprising an exchange which connects an incomingcall from another office directly to an extension, and a controllerwhich comprises input means for accepting instructions to registerassignments of extensions to specific incoming calls, definition meansbeing responsive to the instruction accepted through the input means fordefining the correspondence between the specific incoming calls andextensions, and display means for displaying the instruction to beaccepted through the input means as a guide message.

The exchange includes connection means, upon receipt of an incomingcall, being responsive to the correspondence defined in the definitionmeans for connecting the incoming call to an extension correspondingthereto.

The input means accepts an entry made by the operator according to theguide message displayed on the display means in the interactive mode.

The definition means includes a direct inward dialing (DID) managementtable which stores the correspondence between incoming calls andextensions.

The controller includes registration means for registering thecorrespondence defined in the definition means in the exchange.

The exchange has a DID correspondence table in which the correspondencebetween the incoming line numbers of the specific incoming calls and theextension numbers is registered by the registration means for storage.

The connection means, upon receipt of an incoming call, references theDID correspondence table to connect the incoming call to an extensioncorresponding thereto.

The exchange further includes an acceptance section for accepting stateinformation as to whether or not the extension is able to be connectedto a specific incoming line, and report means, upon receipt of a changein the state information of the extension at the acceptance section, forsignaling to the controller that the state information of the extensionis changed. The controller includes control means, upon receipt of thesignal indicating the state information change of the extension by saidreport means, for placing a restriction so as to inhibit thecorrespondence between the extension and its corresponding incoming linefrom being changed through the input means if the state informationchange denotes that the extension is able to be connected to thespecific incoming line and removing the restriction if the stateinformation change denotes that the extension isn't able to be connectedto the specific incoming line.

The system can further include output means for outputting informationindicating the corresponding incoming calls and extensions defined inthe definition means. The output means includes acceptance means foraccepting an output destination of the output means and may have afacsimile function for facsimile-transmitting information indicating thecorresponding incoming calls and extensions defined in the definitionmeans to the output destination accepted through the acceptance means.

The controller further includes output means for outputting informationindicating the corresponding incoming calls and extensions, a roomnumber and extension table which stores room numbers of rooms providedwith the extensions and extension numbers corresponding to the roomnumbers, and an incoming line number table which stores predeterminedincoming line numbers.

The DID management table indicates the incoming line numbers and theextension numbers as the correspondence between the incoming calls andextensions.

The input means accepts entries of the room numbers.

The output means outputs one or more incoming line numbers not set inthe DID management table from among a plurality of predeterminedincoming line numbers.

The input means, when more than one incoming line number is output bythe output means, accepts the selection specification of one of theincoming line numbers.

The registration means references the room number and extension tableand sets the selected incoming line number and an extension numbercorresponding to the room number in the DID management table.

The system further includes a user name table which stores user names ofusers who use specific extensions. The output means can output the usernames corresponding to the extensions stored in the user name table androom numbers and incoming line numbers corresponding to the extensions.

The input means accepts the start time at which connection of thespecified incoming call to its corresponding extension is started andthe end time at which the connection is terminated.

The registration means specifies the start time and end timecorresponding to the incoming call for the exchange.

The connection means includes connection control means, upon receipt ofthe specified incoming call from the start time to end time, forconnecting the call to its corresponding extension. The exchange mayinclude message output means for outputting a predetermined message fora predetermined time after the end time.

The input means accepts assignment of an extension to a specificincoming call, entered by the operator according to a guide messagedisplayed on the display means in the interactive mode. Thecorrespondence between the incoming call and extension specified by theoperator is stored in the DID management table of the definition means.The registration means registers the correspondence defined in the DIDmanagement table in the exchange. The registration means may referencethe DID management table to determine whether or not the instructionentered by the operator through the input means can be registered in theDID management table. Registration can be changed for each extension atany time. Further, the output means outputs the entered correspondingincoming call and extension. If the output means has a facsimilefunction for facsimile transmission, it outputs the enteredcorresponding incoming call and extension to the specified outputdestination via the public telecommunication network through the NCU(network control unit).

Upon receipt of registration from the registration means, the exchangerewrites the DID correspondence table, and upon receipt of the specifiedincoming call, references the DID correspondence table to connect thecall to the corresponding extension.

If the exchange has an acceptance section such as a room indicator unitfor accepting state information as to whether or not said extension isassigned to a specific incoming line, when a change in the stateinformation of the extension is accepted at the acceptance section, thecontroller is signaled that the state information of the extension ischanged. When receiving the signal indicating the state informationchange of the extension, the controller places restriction so as toinhibit the correspondence between the extension and its correspondingincoming line from being changed through the input means if the stateinformation change denotes that the extension is assigned to thespecific incoming line and removing the restriction if the stateinformation change denotes that the extension becomes unassigned.

The room number and extension table stores room numbers and extensionnumbers corresponding to the room numbers. The incoming line numbertable stores predetermined incoming line numbers. The DID managementtable records the correspondence between the incoming line numbers andextension numbers.

As specific input, the input means accepts entries of the room numbers.The display means displays incoming line numbers not set in the DIDmanagement table. The input means accepts selection specification of oneof the incoming line numbers. The controller references the room numberand extension table and sets the selected incoming line number and anextension number corresponding to the room number in the DID managementtable. By obtaining user names of users who use specific extensionsstored from the user name table, the output means can output the usernames and room numbers and incoming line numbers corresponding to theextensions.

The input means accepts the start time at which connection of aspecified incoming call to its corresponding extension is started andthe end time at which the connection is terminated, and the registrationmeans specifies the start time and end time corresponding to theincoming call for the exchange.

When receiving the specified incoming call, the exchange connects thecall to its corresponding extension from the start time to end time. Theexchange may include message output means for outputting a predeterminedmessage for a predetermined time after the end time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for connecting an incoming call toa selected one of a number of extensions according to a first embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of communication between PBX and personalcomputer;

FIG. 3 illustrates an operator number entry screen;

FIG. 4 illustrates a room number entry screen;

FIG. 5 illustrates a DID registration screen;

FIG. 6 illustrates a DID instruction and registration screen;

FIG. 7 illustrates a DID reservation screen;

FIG. 8 illustrates a DID reservation printout screen;

FIG. 9 illustrates a DID change screen;

FIG. 10 illustrates a DID reservation end time change screen;

FIG. 11 illustrates a DID room change screen;

FIG. 12 illustrates a DID reservation change screen;

FIG. 13 illustrates a DID reservation room change screen;

FIG. 14 illustrates a DID reservation time change screen;

FIG. 15 illustrates a DID reservation DI number change screen;

FIG. 16 illustrates a DID reservation DI number specification and changescreen;

FIG. 17 illustrates a room status change screen;

FIG. 18 illustrates a room change screen;

FIG. 19 illustrates a direct phone number INFORM CARD image;

FIG. 20 illustrates a direct phone number RESERVE CARD image;

FIG. 21 is a screen transition flowchart;

FIG. 22 is a signal transfer flowchart among the room indicator unit,PBX, and PC;

FIG. 23 illustrates the text contents transferred between PBX and PC,;

FIG. 24 is a PBX process flowchart; and

FIG. 25 is a PC process flowchart.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a system for connecting anincoming call to a selected one of a number of extensions according to afirst embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment, application of thesystem to a hotel system is described with an example in which a directDID extension data change notification is transmitted from a controllerto an exchange.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the system for connecting an incomingcall to a selected extension according to the first embodiment of theinvention, wherein the system comprises a PBX (private exchange) system20 which connects incoming calls from other offices directly toextensions and an exchange controller 21 which specifies the extensionscorresponding to the incoming calls for the PBX system 20. The PBXsystem 20 can further include a room indicator unit 8 of an acceptancesection for accepting information as to whether or not guest rooms areoccupied, and can be connected via a public telecommunication network 14to public telecommunication network terminals such as a FAX 15 andtelephone.

The lines required for the PBX 1 to connect to the publictelecommunication network are classified according to several incomingcall types. Shown in the example are DID lines 2 used for DID and directDID FAXs 3 in the PBX connected to the DID lines, but other extensiontelephones may also be connected to the DID lines. The PBX 1 has a PBXmaintenance terminal 4 for setting and changing the correspondencebetween the DID lines 2 and direct DID FAXs 3. Since the PBX maintenanceterminal 4 is located at a place where the PBX 1 is installed or in amaintenance room and both are places inconvenient to handle themaintenance terminal 4, the user cannot easily use the maintenanceterminal 4. Since the maintenance terminal 4 can be operated for theentire operation of the PBX 1, handling the maintenance terminal 4involves security operation, such as release of a guard function, and iscumbersome and difficult. Then, the embodiment provides an exchangecontroller 21 which enables the exchange user to change the data to setthe correspondence between the DID lines 2 and direct DID FAXs 3. Theexchange controller 21 and the PBX 1 can transfer data to each otheraccording to a predetermined protocol by using an interface such asRS-232C. The exchange controller 21 has input means 30 for accepting aninstruction specifying the extension corresponding to an incoming call.The input means 30 can be a keyboard of function keys, scroll keys,etc., or a mouse. An external display 6, comprising display means toeasily use the exchange controller 21, is also provided for the exchangecontroller 21 for displaying the operation method. The input means canaccept entries made by the user in response to guide messages displayedon the external display 6 in the interactive mode. Further, a printer 7,comprising output means for printing the results of the correspondencebetween the DID lines 2 and direct DID FAXs 3, is connected as means forstoring check records. The output means comprises a FAX board 12 whichcan output facsimile signals via an NCU (network control unit) 11 and anoffice line call originating trunk 13 to a public telecommunicationnetwork terminal FAX 15 in the public telecommunication network 14. Theroom indicator unit 8 handles one room 22 where both direct DID FAX 3and ordinary extension 10 are installed as one management unit forinforming the PBX 1 of a state change at the same time as the room usestate, such as occupation, is changed. That is, the room indicator unit8 is used as an acceptance section for accepting state information as towhether or not each extension is able to be connected to a specificincoming line. The interface between the direct DID FAX 3 and PBX 1 isthe same as that between the ordinary extension 10 and PBX 1, and anextension number is assigned to the direct DID FAX 3. A verbal messagedevice 9 is provided as message output means. If a call comes in as adirect FAX corresponding to the DID line 2 when the FAX is notregistered, the verbal message device 9 outputs a predetermined voiceguidance message for informing the originator that the called FAX is notregistered. Generally, the exchange controller is handled by the user ina hotel system or the like and signal transfer between the exchangecontroller and PBX is not special; although the exchange controller canalso be replaced with a main frame, small business computer, or thelike. The embodiment adopts a personal computer (PC) 5 as a centralprocessing unit (CPU) of the exchange controller 21. The PC 5 comprisesdefinition means for defining the correspondence between specificincoming calls and extensions and registration means for registering thecorrespondence defined in the definition means in the PBX 1. Thedefinition means is a DID management table which stores thecorrespondence between incoming line numbers and extension numbers.

A process flow is described with reference to screen examples shown inFIGS. 3-18 and a flowchart is shown in FIG. 21. The operation and signaltransfer between the PBX and PC in the process flow are described withreference to FIGS. 2 and 22-25.

FIG. 21 shows a screen flowchart. FIGS. 3-18 show screen displayexamples. The numbers in boxes shown in FIG. 21 denote the numbersdisplayed in the upper right corners of the example screens in FIGS.3-18. Some example screens are relevant to DID setting and registrationand others are relevant to reregistration in response to a state changefrom the PBX. FIG. 2 shows transfer of signals or texts between the PBXand PC to change data tables which store FAX extensions called from thePC 5 when calls come into the PBX 1 on DID lines. The tables containedin the PBX 1 are shown on the left of FIG. 2 and the tables in the PC 5on the right of FIG. 2. The PBX 1 tables are a FAX and correspondingguest name extraction table M1 which stores guest names corresponding toFAX numbers (names of users who use specific extensions); a DID numberand corresponding direct FAX extraction table M2 which stores DIDnumbers of incoming line numbers and FAX numbers of extension numberscorresponding thereto; and a room and corresponding state numberextraction table M3 which indicates whether or not each room isoccupied. The PC 5 tables are an operator number-operator nameconversion table P1 which stores operator numbers and operator names topreviously register persons who operate the PC 5; a DID numbermanagement table P2 which indicates the assignment state of each dialnumber, namely, unassigned, reserved, or assigned; a room managementtable P3 which indicates the correspondence between room numbers and FAXnumbers and the assignment state of each FAX number, namely, unassigned,reserved, or assigned; and an execution management table P4 whichtemporarily stores room number, DID number, registration start time,registration end time, and operator number during processing. FIG. 22shows signal transfer between the PBX and PC when a state change occursat the room indicator unit 8. FIG. 23 shows the text contentstransferred between the PBX and PC. FIG. 24 shows a PBX process flow.FIG. 25 shows a PC process flow.

First, when the PC 5 is started, the operator number entry screen(screen No.1.0) shown in FIG. 3 is displayed as the initial screen ofapplication service. The screen shown in FIG. 3 requests the operator toenter the operator number for starting the application service. Thescreen also has a function of displaying operator notification messagestogether with the number of the messages if the operator's decision isrequired when an RSC (S4) text is received from the PBX 1, such as themessage "Five texts are received from PBX" shown at the bottom of FIG.3. For example, when a room change occurs, the operator is requested tojudge whether or not the FAX number in a new room is to be againregistered. Judgment criteria on which messages are to be displayed arepreviously registered as data, and messages are displayed according tothe judgment criteria. Thus, if a text is received from the PBX 1, whenthe operator presses the ENTER key, the screen moves to an RSC (S4) textprocessing screen (described below) in preference.

When the input means 30 accepts the operator number, the PC 5 determineswhether or not a text is received from the PBX 1. If no texts arereceived, the PC 5 accepts the ENTER key through the input means 30 andmoves the screen shown in FIG. 3 to the screen shown in FIG. 4. The PC 5references the operator number-name conversion table shown in FIG. 2 andextracts the operator name corresponding to the operator number.Information can be preset in the operator number-name conversion tableshown in FIG. 2 through the input means.

FIG. 4 is a room number entry screen (screen No.2.0) which displays theregistered operator name corresponding to the entered operator numberfor confirmation of the operator number. Texts received from the PBX 1are also displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 4; the screen can also bemoved to a receive text processing screen if the operator presses the F7key of the input means 30. The input means 30 accepts the room number ofthe DID line user entered by the operator. When accepting the ENTER keythrough the input means 30, the PC 5 references the room managementtable P3 to get the FAX number corresponding to the entered room number,and checks to see if the FAX number is registered for DID by referencingthe column Unassigned/reserved/assigned of the room management table P3.If the FAX number is unassigned, the PC 5 judges it to be unregisteredfor DID. If the FAX number is reserved or assigned, the PC 5 judges itto be already registered for DID. Also, the PC 5 asks the PBX 1 aboutthe guest name corresponding to the room number. To do this, the PC 5sends a DTQ (S1) text to the PBX 1, as shown in FIG. 2. The DTQ (S1)text, which denotes a data request text, is a signal transmitted by thePC 5 to the PBX 1 for requesting the PBX 1 to return data of the username of the direct DID FAX 3 and the FAX installation room state. Thenumber of the DID direct FAX 3 is added to the signal for transmission.When receiving the DTQ (S1) text, the PBX 1 operates as shown in FIG. 2.First, the PBX 1 retrieves the user name information corresponding tothe received FAX and telephone number from the FAX corresponding guestname extraction table M1 shown in FIG. 2, and also retrieves the roomstate indicating whether or not the room is occupied from the roomcorresponding state number extraction table M3. The PBX 1 returns theretrieved data to the PC 5 as a DTA (S2) text which denotes a dataanswer text containing the DID direct FAX number, user name information,and room state. If the necessary information is not registered in theFAX and corresponding guest name extraction table M1, the PBX 1 returnsa message to the effect that it is not registered. In the FAX andcorresponding guest name extraction table M1, guest names can be enteredfrom a connection device (not shown) of another hotel system connectedto the exchange, and may also be registered from the PC 5. Stateinformation as to whether or not each room is occupied is accepted fromthe room indicator unit 8, and state information corresponding to thepreviously registered room number is registered on demand in the roomand corresponding state number extraction table M3.

Next, if the FAX corresponding to the entered room number is notregistered for DID, the screen moves to another screen (screen No.3.0)shown in FIG. 5. The screen in FIG. 5 is a DID registration screen whichdisplays the guest name and room number corresponding to the FAXtelephone number returned with the DTA (S2) text. The screen displays amessage for requesting the operator to specify the registration methodof automatic registration where the PC 5 automatically selects a DIDline or arbitrary registration where the operator specifies a DID line.If the operator selects arbitrary registration with scroll keys of theinput means 30 and presses the ENTER key, the PC 5 displays a DIDspecification and registration screen (screen No.3.1) shown in FIG. 6.If the operator selects automatic registration with scroll keys of theinput means 30 and presses the ENTER key, the PC 5 automatically selectsone of unassigned DID numbers. In the automatic registration, thenumbers may be assigned in the order in the DID management table or theline whose idle time is longest or the line whose average busy time isshortest may be selected among unassigned DID lines according to apredetermined assignment condition for automatic registration. Thiscondition should be prespecified in the PC 5.

For arbitrary registration, unassigned DID numbers are listed togetherwith the pilot number for easy confirmation on the screen as shown inFIG. 6. When the operator selects one of the unassigned DID numbers withthe scroll keys of the input means 30 and presses the ENTER key, the PC5 selects the operatorselected DID number.

When the DID number is selected, then the PC 5 displays a DIDreservation screen (screen No.3.2) shown in FIG. 7. The screen in FIG. 7displays a message for requesting the operator to select immediateregistration or reservation for dial-in service. The input means 30accepts the message destination FAX number entered by the operator. Themessage destination FAX number is a FAX number at the location to whichthe DID direct number used by the guest is to be reported. If the outputmeans contains a facsimile board, the corresponding room number,incoming line number (phone number), and user name can be output to thepreviously specified message destination FAX number. Although only onemessage destination FAX number is entered on the screen shown in FIG. 7,more than one number can be entered by providing another screen.

If the operator presses the ENTER key without entering the time throughthe input means 30, the PC 5 assumes immediate registration to bespecified; if the operator enters the time and presses the ENTER key,the PC 5 assumes reservation to be specified. At the time, if theoperator does not enter the end time, the registration continues untilcancel is again accepted at the terminal; if the operator enters the endtime, the PC 5 terminates the DID when the end time is reached.

If immediate registration is specified or when the reserve start time isreached, the registration means of the PC 5 sends a DID connectionchange text of DTU (S3) shown in FIG. 2 to the PBX 1 for DIDregistration. The DTU (S3) contains a registration/cancel flag which isset to registration, the automatically selected or operator-selected DIDline 2 number, and its corresponding DID direct FAX 3 number. Whenreceiving the DTU (S3) text, the PBX 1 operates as shown in FIG. 24.First, the PBX 1 writes data into the DID number and correspondingdirect FAX extraction table M2 for registration. The DTU (S3) text canbe used for registration and cancellation of DID. For registration, theextension FAX number is written into the DID number and correspondingFAX extraction table M2 for the DID line 2; for cancellation, the verbalmessage number is written into the DID number and corresponding FAXextraction table M2 for the DID line 2. The verbal message number takesa trunk number. The trunk is connected to the tape recorder in which thepredetermined voice message is recorded. If the DID direct FAX number isregistered in the DID number and corresponding FAX extraction table M2,when a call comes in on the setup DID line 2 from another office, it isconnected to the DID direct FAX 3. If the verbal message number isregistered for canceling the DID, when a call comes in on the setup DIDline 2 from another office, the message recorded in the verbal messagedevice 9 is output for the predetermined time.

Upon completion of the immediate registration, then the PC 5 outputs theregistration results at the printer 7 for confirmation of theregistration. As an output example, a card of postal card size as shownin FIG. 19 may be printed out for service for hotel guests, etc. Thecard shown in FIG. 19 can also be printed out when card output isspecified through the input means 30. Further, if a DTU (S1) text istransferred between the PBX 1 and PC 5 and the contents of the DIDnumber and corresponding direct FAX extraction table M2 are changed, thecard can be unconditionally printed out for output of the most recentinformation. As card output, in response to the message destination FAXnumber entered on the screen in FIG. 7, the FAX board 12 can call thePBX 1 via the NCU 11 for connection through the office line calloriginating trunk 13 to the public telecommunication network terminalFAX 15 in the public telecommunication network 14 to transmit the guestname, registered, changed, or canceled title, DID direct number, andhotel name. If reservation is registered, the PC 5 displays a DIDreservation printout screen (screen No.5.0) shown in FIG. 8, requestingthe operator to specify whether or not printout is to be executed. Ifthe operator selects printout through the input means 30, theregistration results are output at the printer 7 as a card of postalcard size containing the reservation time shown in FIG. 20. Atreservation, the FAX number of the reserve guest can also be entered inthe message destination FAX number for transmitting the reservationresult to the FAX of the reserving guest.

The PC 5 now completes the registration of the DID. The DID numbermanagement table P2 and the room management table P3 may be combinedinto a DID management table which stores the correspondence betweenincoming calls and extensions as definition means.

In FIG. 4, when the input means 30 accepts the room number entered bythe operator, the PC 5 references the room management table P3. If theFAX corresponding to the room is already registered for DID, the PC 5assumes a change step to be specified. If "assigned" is set in the roommanagement table P3 for the FAX of the room, a screen shown in FIG. 9 isdisplayed. If "reserved" is set, a screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.The screen in FIG. 9 is a DID change screen (screen No.4.0) which isused to change the setup DID end time, the room number, etc. In thiscase, the operator should use the function keys of the input means 30 toselect the information to be changed. The PC 5 displays another screenin response to the function key pressed by the operator.

When "assigned" is set, if the operator presses the F2 key of the inputmeans 30 to change the end time, the screen moves to a DID reservationend time change screen (screen No.4.1) shown in FIG. 10 used to changethe reservation end time or cancel the reservation. When the operatorenters the reservation end time through the input means 30 and pressesthe ENTER key, the PC 5 handles the change. To cancel the reservation,the PC 5 transmits a DTU (S3) text shown in FIG. 2 for a verbal messagedevice connection request to the PBX 1. The PBX 1 sets the verbalmessage number in the FAX number area of the DID number andcorresponding direct FAX extraction table M2 corresponding to the DIDnumber for connection to the verbal message device 9 when a call comesin on the DID line 2.

When "assigned" is set, if the operator presses the F3 key of the inputmeans 30 to change the room number, the screen moves to a DID roomchange screen (screen No.4.2) shown in FIG. 11 which is used to changethe room number. If a room change is made, it may be desired to continueto use the same telephone number for the DID line 2. To do this, thedirect DID FAX 3 number should be changed. When the operator enters theroom number through the input means 30 and presses the ENTER key, the PC5 handles the change. The PC 5 transmits a DTU (S3) text containing theDID number and the FAX number of the FAX installed in a new room to thePBX 1. The PBX 1 sets the FAX number corresponding to the DID number inthe DID number and corresponding direct FAX extraction table M2 forregistration, thereby changing the incoming FAX extension by executing asingle step with the DID line number intact.

Next, in FIG. 4, if "reserved" is set, the screen moves to a DIDreservation change screen (screen No.6.0) shown in FIG. 12 which is usedto change the DID end time, room number, etc.

On the screen, the operator should use the function keys of the inputmeans 30 to select fields for new entries of the room number, DIDnumber, reservation time, etc. The PC 5 displays another screen inresponse to the function key pressed by the operator.

When "reserved" is set, if the operator presses the F3 key of the inputmeans 30 to change the room number, the screen moves to a DIDreservation room change screen (screen No.6.1) shown in FIG. 13 which isused to change the reserved room number. When the operator enters theroom number through the input means 30 and presses the ENTER key, the PC5 handles the change. In the room management table P3, the PC 5registers data of "unassigned" for the FAX installed in the old room anddata of "reserved" for the FAX installed in the new room. Since thisprocess is limited to the PC 5 operation, no information is sent to thePBX 1.

When "reserved" is set, if the operator presses the F4 key of the inputmeans 30 to change the DID number, the screen moves to a DID reservationdial-number change screen (screen No.6.2) shown in FIG. 15 used tochange the DID number. On the screen, a message is displayed requestingthe operator to specify automatic or arbitrary selection. When theoperator specifies arbitrary selection with the scroll keys of the inputmeans 30, the PC 5 displays a DID reservation DI number specificationchange screen (screen No.6.2.1) shown in FIG. 16, wherein unassigned DIDnumbers are listed together with the pilot number for easy check orconfirmation. If the operator selects one of the unassigned DID numberswith the scroll keys of the input means 30, the PC 5 registers the DIDnumber selected by the operator.

If the operator specifies automatic selection with the scroll keys ofthe input means 30 and presses the ENTER key, the PC 5 automaticallyselects one of the unassigned DID numbers according to the conditionpreviously specified in the PC 5 as described above. Since this processis limited to the PC 5 operation, no information is sent to the PBX 1.

When "reserved" is set, if the operator presses the F5 key of the inputmeans 30 to change the end time on the screen in FIG. 12, the screenmoves to a DID reservation time change screen (screen No.6.3) shown inFIG. 14 used to change the reservation start or end time. The start timeand the end time are registered in their respective time tables forseparate management and the old data is deleted. Since this process islimited to the PC 5 operation, no information is sent to the PBX 1.

The PC 5 now completes the registration change process.

Described below is the system operation when a state change occurs atthe room indicator unit 8.

When a state change occurs at the room indicator unit 8, the PBX 1transmits an RSC (S4) text. FIG. 22 shows a transfer sequence of textsamong the room indicator unit 8, PBX 1, and PC 5. FIG. 25 shows aprocess flow of the PBX 1. In response to the text contents, the PC 5makes the screen transition from FIGS. 3 or 4 to 17 or 18. The RSC (S4)text contains a FAX number and status information indicating theoccupation state of the room corresponding to the FAX number. When aroom change is made, new and old FAX numbers are added. The statusinformation contains room check-in/check-out, room change, forciblestatus information change, etc. The RSC (S4) text denotes a directextension state change notification text. At state change servicespecial number entry of one room 22 on an extension or upon receipt oftext from the room indicator unit 8, the PBX 1 changes the state numbercorresponding to the extension number in the room and correspondingstate number extraction table M3 and transmits to the PC 5. The DTQ(S1), DTA (S2), DTU (S3), and RSC (S4) texts are used in combination.

FIG. 17 shows a room status change screen (screen No.7.0). When a statechange occurs at the room indicator unit 8, as shown in FIG. 25, the PBX1 determines whether or not DID is registered, and if registered,updates the status information from the corresponding FAX number in theTELS table M3 shown in FIG. 2. Next, the PBX 1 transmits an RSC (S4)text to the PC 5. When receiving the RSC (S4) text, the PC 5 returns, tothe PBX 1, a DTQ (S1) text to which the corresponding FAX number isadded. When receiving a DTA (S2) text from the PBX 1, the PC 5 alsodisplays the guest name for the room as shown on the screen in FIG. 17.This screen is displayed in order to request the operator to specifywhether or not registration is to be continued for the FAX numberregistered for DID when the room state is changed. If the operatorpresses the F2 key of the input means 30, the PC 5 transmits a DTU (S3)text to the PBX 1 to cancel DID, or without operator's entry, presettingmay also be made in the PC 5 for automatic transmission of the DTU (S3)text.

FIG. 18 shows a room status change screen. When a room change is made,the previously assigned FAX number is called the old FAX number and anewly assigned FAX number is called a new FAX number. When receiving theroom change status, the PBX 1 determines whether or not DID isregistered, and if registered, sets the check-out status in the FAXnumber corresponding to the old room in the TELS table M3 shown in FIG.2 and the check-in status in the FAX number corresponding to the newroom. Next, the PBX 1 transmits, to the PC 5, an RSC (S4) text to whichthe new and old FAX numbers and status information are added. Whenreceiving the RSC (S4) text, the PC 5 returns, to the PBX 1, a DTQ (S1)text to which the new FAX number is added. When receiving a DTA (S2)text from the PBX 1, the PC 5 also displays the guest name for the roomas shown on the screen in FIG. 18. This screen is displayed for roomchange processing, requesting the operator to specify whether or not theDID line number is to be changed. If the operator presses the F1 key ofthe input means 30, the PC 5 executes reregistration by changing thedirect DID FAX number 3 assigned to the DID line 2 to the FAX numbercorresponding to the new room. That is, the PC 5 transmits a DTU (S3)text containing the DID number with the new FAX number to the PBX 1.When receiving the text, the PBX 1 changes the FAX telephone number inthe DID number corresponding and direct FAX extraction table M2 to thenew FAX number. If the operator presses the F2 key of the input means30, the PC 5 cancels direct DID line service by transmitting a DTU (S3)text containing the DID number and talkie number to the PBX 1. Whenreceiving the text, the PBX 1 changes the DID number and correspondingdirect FAX extraction table M2 for canceling the direct DID lineservice. When a preset room number is changed, the FAX installed in theroom is automatically assumed to be a direct DID line for cancel, and aDTU (S3) text for registration can also be transmitted.

Next, referring to FIG. 22 which shows a signal flowchart among the roomindicator unit 8, PBX 1, and PC 5, a signal sequence example of RSC(S4), DTQ (S1), DTA (S2), and DTU (S3) is given in which the PC 5automatically relates the DID lines 2 to the direct DID FAXs 3. In theexample, DID is registered in response to a change in the room indicatorunit 8.

When the operator performs check-in operation at the room indicator unit8, the C/in signal is transmitted to the PBX 1. When receiving thesignal, the PBX 1 transmits, to the PC 5, an RSC (S4) text indicatingroom check-in with the FAX number installed in the check-in room. Whenreceiving the text, the PC 5 automatically selects one of the unassignedDID numbers in response to the indicated FAX number, and returns a DTU(S3) text indicating the FAX number and the automatically selected DIDnumber to the PBX 1. When receiving the text, the PBX 1 sets the FAXnumber in the DID number and corresponding direct FAX extraction tableM2. After transmitting the DTU (S3) text, the PC 5 prints outregistration, transmits to the entered public telecommunication networkterminal FAX 15 number, and reports the registered DID number, guestname, etc.

When the operator performs check-out operation at the room indicatorunit 8, the C/out signal is transmitted to the PBX 1. When receiving thesignal, the PBX 1 transmits, to the PC 5, an RSC (S4) text indicatingroom check-out with the FAX number installed in the check-out room. Whenreceiving the text, the PC 5 registers as "unassigned" the DID number towhich the received FAX number is assigned, and returns a DTU (S3) textindicating the verbal message number and the unassigned DID number tothe PBX 1. When receiving the text, the PBX 1 sets the verbal messagenumber in the DID number and corresponding direct FAX extraction tableM2. After transmitting the DTU (S3) text, the PC 5 prints out cancel,transmits to the entered public telecommunication network terminal FAX15 number, and reports unassignment of the DID number together with theguest name.

When the operator performs a room change operation at .the roomindicator unit 8, the room change signal is transmitted to the PBX 1.When receiving the signal, the PBX 1 transmits, to the PC 5, an RSC (S4)text indicating the FAX number installed in the old room and that in thenew room. When receiving the text, the PC 5 returns to the PBX 1 a DTU(S3) text indicating the DID number and new FAX number for assignment ofthe new FAX number to the DID number to which the received FAX number isassigned. When receiving the text, the PBX 1 sets the new FAX number inthe DID number and corresponding direct FAX extraction table M2. Aftertransmitting the DTU (S3) text, the PC 5 prints out the change.

When the operator performs a status change operation at the roomindicator unit 8, the room status change signal is transmitted to thePBX 1. When a status change is forced to be made in the PBX 1, the PBX 1transmits, to the PC5, an RSC (S4) text indicating the room statuschange together with the FAX number installed in the room 22 whosestatus is changed. Judgment criteria are preset in the PC 5, andaccording to the received status, the PC 5 may ignore the status changeor perform the same cancel processing as check-out described above.

Automatic registration is discussed above. The signal sequence ofregistration and cancellation by the operation of the PC 5 can also beregistered each time from the PC 5, as described above. The PC 5transmits a DTQ (S1) text to the PBX 1. The PBX 1 checks the receivedFAX number and returns to the PC 5 a DTA (S1) text indicating the guestname and status information. After confirmation on the screen, forregistration, the PC 5 transmits a DTU (S3) text indicating the DIDnumber and FAX number; for cancel, the DID number and verbal messagenumber. When receiving the text, the PBX 1 sets the FAX number or verbalmessage number in the DID number and corresponding direct FAX extractiontable M2 area corresponding to the DID number. After transmitting theDTU (S3) text, the PC 5 prints out cancel, transmits to the enteredpublic telecommunication network terminal FAX 15 number, and reportsunassignment of the DID number together with the guest name.

The operator operation interface application provided by the PC 5enables general staff to change PBX data or direct extensions to DIDlines, thereby widening and improving line use service. Althoughregistration and cancellation by the PC 5 operation are described in theexample, the PC 5 can also perform processing automatically whenreceiving RSC (S4) texts for check-in, check-out, and status change.

Also, in general enterprises, corporations, and hospitals, connection ofextension numbers corresponding to direct lines can be easily changed todifferent extensions or to a verbal message, voice mail system, etc.,only in the noon recess. A radio telephone terminal for business isassigned to a guest, and a direct line number is reported to a facsimileof the destination designated by the guest, thereby providing anincoming call service directly for the guest. Although the embodimenttakes DID as an example, similar features can also be provided on othertypes of direct lines. Further, the PC 5 may manage charging when callsoriginate from extensions for each room. The telephone numbers of theindicated destinations may be registered for abbreviated calling. Theconventional automatic electronic jumper device has a disadvantage of alimitation in planning numbers because of the relationship betweenjumper administrative numbers and extension numbers. Since incomingcalls are connected via the administrative numbers and extensionnumbers, the extension numbers are limited. The system according to theembodiment connects incoming calls directly to the extensions, wherebythe telephone numbers can be planned without limiting the extensionnumbers.

The system according to the invention enables the user to selectextension numbers as desired for effective use of direct lines andincreased usage per line.

The external controller connected to the exchange enables the user toselect extension numbers to be directly called in response to incomingcalls from other offices by entering instructions according to guidemessages in the interactive mode; any person who has not undergoneexchange operation training or education can still change the extensionnumbers easily. Further, the external controller connected to theexchange enables the user to inquire what extension number is to bedirectly called in response to an incoming call from another office andto respond to the answered extension number for calling it, whereby therelationships between the direct lines and extensions can be changedmore speedily without increasing the storage capacity of the exchange.

Since a change can be detected speedily by reporting the state of anextension called directly, the correspondence between the lines andextensions can be maintained in real time. Further, the controllerprovides the interactive mode which enables the operator to lessen entryerrors and change data immediately, thereby eliminating erroneousextension connection and lack of response which will otherwise be madeor occur.

Further, the system can support all direct extension call services andfree the user from restrictions for improvement of services.

The texts transferred between the exchange and controller are defined toeliminate the need for considering the mode of the external controllerconnected to the exchange for raising flexibility of the system design.Since the controller can contain a timer function for registering andterminating the relationship between direct lines and extensions at anydesired time, the operator can be freed from time restrictions, andservice improvement can also be intended for extensions.

Further, after a direct DID FAX number is given to a guest or when itbecomes unassigned, the user who uses the direct DID number as theoriginating dial number should be informed. The system according to theembodiment can automatically transmit the direct DID number to the FAXof the person who should be informed instead of the guest or persongiven the DID direct number for service improvement for direct lineusers.

The PC 5 can also serve as a terminal of a general purpose computerwhich can transfer signals to and from the exchange or in a local areanetwork via which signals can be transferred to and from the exchange.

According to the invention, a system for connecting an incoming call toa selected one of a number of destinations can be constructed whereinthe user can easily set and change direct line data.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for connecting an incoming call to aselected extension, said system comprising:a plurality of terminals,each terminal identified by an associated extension number; acontroller, including acceptance means for accepting a request to use afirst one of said terminals as identified by the extension numberassociated with said first one of said terminals, and assignment meansresponsive to acceptance of a request by said acceptance means fortemporarily assigning one of a plurality of dialed-in numbers to saidfirst one of said terminals; and an exchange unit for directlyconnecting a call identified by the one of the dialed-in numbers to saidfirst one of said terminals; wherein: said terminals are not associatedwith a dialed-in number until said assignment means temporarily assignsa dialed-in number to a terminal; said exchange unit includes storingmeans for storing the correspondence between dialed-in numbers andextension numbers of said plurality of terminals as assigned by saidassignment-means, and connection means for connecting the callidentified by the one of the dialed-in numbers directly to said firstone of said terminals as identified by the extension numbercorresponding to the one of the dialed-in numbers as stored in saidstoring means; said acceptance means includes means for accepting asignal indicating the end of use of said one of said terminals; saidassignment means includes means responsive to said acceptance meansaccepting the end of use signal, for cancelling the assignment of theone of the dialed-in numbers to said one of said terminals; and saidconnection means includes means responsive to cancelling of theassignment, for inhibiting connection of a subsequent call identified bythe one of the dialed-in numbers to said one of said terminals; wherebysaid controller can temporarily reassign the one of the dialed-innumbers to a second one of said terminals.
 2. A system as claimed inclaim 1 wherein:said controller further includes a management table forstoring a plurality of dialed-in numbers and information showing whethereach dialed-in number is presently assigned by said assignment means, ornot; and said assignment means references said management table whenassigning dialed-in numbers, assigns a dialed-in number which is notpresently assigned, stores into said management table informationshowing that the assigned dialed-in number has been assigned, and uponcancellation of the assignment, stores in said management tableinformation showing that said dialed-in number is not assigned,
 3. Asystem as claimed in claim 1 wherein said controller includesregistration means for registering the one of the dialed-in numbersassigned by said assignment means and the extension number of said oneof said terminals for said storing means of said exchange unit.
 4. Asystem as claimed in claim 1 further comprising output means foroutputting information indicating the one of the dialed-in numbersassigned by said assignment means and the extension number of said oneof said terminals when an assignment is made by said assignment means.5. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said exchange unit includesmessage output means for outputting a predetermined message to thesources of subsequent calls for a predetermined time followingcancelling of the assignment of the one of the dialed-in numbers to saidone of said terminals.
 6. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidassignment means assigns a dialed-in number different from the dialed-innumber cancelled just prior to the time of assignment.
 7. A system asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said assignment means assigns a dialed-innumber which has not been assigned for the longest period of time fromamong the dialed-in numbers which are not presently assigned.
 8. Anexchange controller for controlling an exchange to directly connect acall identified by a specific dialed-in number to a specific terminalfrom among a plurality of terminals, each terminal identified by anassociated extension number, said exchange controller comprisingacceptance means for accepting a request to use said specific terminal;and assignment means responsive to acceptance of a request by saidacceptance means, for temporarily assigning one of a plurality ofspecific dialed-in numbers to said specific terminal for use, andresponsive to an end of use signal for said specific terminal forcancelling the assignment,wherein said terminals are not associated witha dialed-in number until said assignment means temporarily assigns adialed-in number to a terminal.
 9. An exchange controller as claimed inclaim 8 further comprising a management table for storing a plurality ofdialed-in numbers and information showing whether each dialed-in numberis presently assigned by said assignment means, or not;wherein saidassignment means references said management table when assigningdialed-in numbers, assigns a dialed-in number which is not presentlyassigned, stores into said management table information showing that theassigned dialed-in number has been assigned, and upon cancellation ofthe assignment, stores in said management table information showing thatsaid dialed-in number is not assigned.
 10. An exchange controller asclaimed in claim 8 further comprising output means for outputtinginformation indicating the dialed-in number assigned by said assignmentmeans and the extension number of said specific terminal when anassignment is made by said assignment means.
 11. An exchange controlleras claimed in claim 8 further comprising a user name table for storing auser name of a user who uses said specific terminal, and output meansfor outputting information showing the dialed-in number assigned by saidassignment means, the specific terminal to which the dialed-in number isassigned, and the user name of the user who uses said specific terminal.12. An exchange controller as claimed in claim 10, wherein saidacceptance means further accepts instructions to change the dialed-innumber assigned to said specific terminal by said assignment means; saidassignment means is responsive to said acceptance means accepting aninstruction to change, for changing the dialed-in number by assigning adifferent dialed-in number to said specific terminal; and said outputmeans outputs the changed dialed-in number and the extension number ofthe specific terminal.
 13. An exchange controller as claimed in claim10, wherein said output means comprises a printer for printing outinformation showing the corresponding dialed-in number and the extensionnumber of the specific terminal assigned by said assignment means,according to a predetermined format.
 14. An exchange controller asclaimed in claim 8, further comprising:an operator storing means forstoring identification information of an operator authorized to operatesaid exchange controller; and display means for displaying a guidemessage for entering the identification-information of the operator atthe beginning of the operation of said exchange controller; wherein saidacceptance means includes means for accepting the entry of theidentification information of said operator after the display of theguide message by said display means, for comparison with theidentification information stored in the operator storing means, andmeans responsive to a proper comparison for permitting continuedoperation of said exchange controller.
 15. In a telephone private branchexchange, a system for connecting a call dialed in to the exchange to aselected extension of the exchange, said system comprising:a pluralityof telephone terminals, each terminal identified by an associatedextension number; assignment means responsive to a request to use afirst one of said terminals as identified by the extension numberassociated with said first one of said terminals, for temporarilyassigning one of a plurality of dialed-in numbers to said first one ofsaid terminals for use; storing means for storing assignment informationindicating the temporary assignments of specific dialed-in numbers tospecific terminals as identified by the extension numbers associatedwith said specific terminals; and connection means for connecting adialed-in call identified by the one of the dialed-in numbers directlyto said one of said terminals as identified by the extension numberassigned to said dialed-in number as stored in said storing means;wherein: said terminals are not associated with a dialed-in number untilsaid assignment means temporarily assigns a dialed-in number to aterminal; said assignment means includes means responsive to a signalindicating the end of use of said one of said terminals, for cancellingthe assignment of the one of the dialed-in numbers to said one of saidterminals; and said connection means includes means responsive tocancelling of the assignment, for inhibiting connection of a subsequentcall identified by the one of the dialed-in numbers to said one of saidterminals; whereby said assignment means can temporarily reassign theone of the dialed-in numbers to a second one of said terminals.